It isn't as if Creighton hasn't played some athletic teams. The Bluejays point to San Diego State and Long Beach State as opponents who have most resembled Alabama. But neither team pressed the way the Crimson Tide does.

Alabama players say they have faced offenses that are comparable to the one they will face at 12:40 p.m. CDT today in an NCAA tournament Midwest Regional opener.

JaMychal Green at first said the Bluejays remind him of Vanderbilt but then reconsidered.

"They most remind me of Florida, just because they have four shooters on the court at all times, sometimes five," he said.

Alabama junior guard Andrew Steele said facing teams such as Florida and Vanderbilt gives the Tide an advantage. Of course, Alabama is 0-3 against those teams.

Like Florida, Steele said, the Bluejays will "space it and try to make you chase them, and they're going to make tough shots, but we try to understand, our defense has given us a chance."

What's it like? Steele has heard from brother

Not a single Alabama player has NCAA tournament experience, but junior guard Andrew Steele has been there vicariously. His brother, Ronald, helped Alabama reach the 2005 and 2006 tournaments. The Tide reached the second round that second year before losing to UCLA.

So what has Andrew heard about this experienced?

"He said it's the most exciting and the most fun he's had maybe since winning the state championship in high school," Steele said. "Talking to him and everybody else who's been involved in it, to be able to advance is unlike any other feeling."

Nothing like the NCAA tournament, according to Pettway

Antoine Pettway went to the NCAA tournament three times in his Alabama playing career (2002-04). Now he's the director of operations on coach Anthony Grant's staff.

"Pettway says there's nothing like it," Alabama sophomore point guard Trevor Releford said. "To advance in the tournament is a big deal. It's going to get better and better if we win."

Doug McDermott is a Reggie Miller fan

Creighton star Doug McDermott was asked if he has had favorite players.

"I was a huge Reggie Miller fan for the Pacers," the Bluejays' sharp-shooting forward said of the retired king of perimeter shooting. "That was my guy.